This book demonstrates that historiography is a dynamic process.The five major
Sikh writers analysed in the book presentdifferences of factual detail,
objectives and approach. If oneglorifies the Khalsa as upholding the
monotheistic tradition,another compromises the monotheistic tradition by
bringing in thegoddess. If one negates the egalitarian norm of the Khalsa
socialorder, another valorizes its uncompromising sovereignty in the faceof
threat from the British. Modern historians present no lessdivergent views. If
one looks upon the Khalsa as the emergence of anew nation, another minimizes
their achievement in comparison withthe British. If one tries to reconcile
doctrinal sovereignty withpolitical loyalty, another presents the Khalsa as
serving the causeof Hindu nationalism. Still